Ezekiel 2:9

“And when I looked, behold, an hand [was] sent unto me, &c.] Not of an angel, but of Christ himself, in a visionary way; for this was not a real hand, but the likeness of one, as in (<260803>Ezekiel 8:3); and so the Targum here, “and I saw, and behold, the likeness of a hand stretched out on the side to me.” This symbol was to show that his prophecy, that he was sent to deliver, was from heaven and came from Christ; and that hand that delivered it to him would protect and defend him: and, lo a roll of a book [was] therein; held in it, and held forth by it, to the prophet. Books were frequently written on parchment or vellum, and rolled about a stick, in form of a cylinder; and hence they were…”

“roll--the form in which ancient books were made.”

“Was sent - Rather, was put forth. A roll of a book - The book was one of the ancient kind written on skins rolled up together. Hence, our English volume Psalms 40:7. The writing was usually on one side, but in this case it was written within and without, on both sides, the writing as it were running over, to express the abundance of the calamities in store for the devoted people. To eat the book signifies to be thoroughly possessed with its contents (compare Ezekiel 3:10; Jeremiah 15:16). There should be no break between Ezekiel 2:10 and Ezekiel 3:0. return to 'Top of Page' Footnotes: Copyright Statement These files are public domain. Bibliographical Information Barnes, Albert. "Commentary…”

“Roll - Their books were not like ours, but written in parchment and in the length of it, and so one piece fastened to another, 'till the whole would contain what was to be written, and then it was wrapped or rolled about a round piece of wood, fashioned for that purpose. Ezekiel 2:10”

“2:9–3:1 There was so much judgment on the scroll that both sides were covered with writing. Ezekiel had to declare the curses for covenant breaking (Deut 28:15-68) to a rebellious people (cp. Zech 5:2-4). The scroll covered with messages of judgment is an apt image of the content of Ezek 1–24.”

“an hand: Eze 8:3; Jer 1:9; Dan 5:5, Dan 10:10, Dan 10:16-18 a roll: All ancient books were written so as to be rolled up. hence volumen a volume, from volvo I roll. Eze 3:1; Heb 10:7; Rev 5:1-5, Rev 10:8-11 Ezekiel 2:10”